The relationship between falls history and balance on gait in older people

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the gait characteristics of elderly individuals and to investigate the relationship between gait characteristics balance and falls history. Method: 105 older participants aged over 65 years were included in this study. Falls history in the past 6 months were recorded. Walking velocity (4m walking test), step length, and cadence were assessed as gait parameters. Portable Biodex Balance System was used to assess dynamic (limits of stability-LoS) and static (Postural stability-PS and Clinical Test of Sensory Integration-CTSI) balance performance. Muscle strength measurements (quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles) were evaluated using a portable dynamometer. Results: We found that the average walking velocity was 1.23m/sec, the step length was 0.55m, and the cadence was 107.9steps/min in subjects. While there was no significant difference in means of velocity and cadence between participants who reported no falls and the group reported falls history (p>0.05), it was related with step length (p <0.05). Similarly, It was found that the relationship between muscle strength and all gait characteristics was statistically significant (p<0.05). In addition, PS was correlated with walking velocity and LoS was correlated with step length positively (p<0.05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between CTSI and cadence (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that gait characteristics in older people were related with falls history and balance. An integrated approach is necessary to investigate balance, muscle strength, fall and gait characteristics in future studies due to the existence of different neuromuscular components on the gait. Key Words: Gait Characteristics, Falling, Balance, Muscle Strength